James Lewis "Jim" Proffitt

James Lewis "Jim" Proffitt, 88, of Tompkinsville, KY, passed away on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at Signature Health Care of Monroe County.

Jim was born in Tompkinsville, KY, on May 31, 1936, a son of the late Pearl (Hollinsworth) and Fred E. Proffitt.

Jim was a 1954 graduate of Tompkinsville High School, where he was a standout athlete, excelling in all four sports offered at the time: Tennis, Basketball, Baseball, and Football. His interest in tennis actually led to his grandfather, Gid Hollinsworth and uncle, John Ed Yokley, building a tennis court so the Monroe County Schools could have access to Tennis. After high school, he attended David Lipscomb College, where he played basketball as a walk-on for four years. Upon graduation, Jim returned to Monroe County, where he taught and coached for a time before discovering his true calling in sales. His career as a salesman allowed him to start and maintain lifelong friendships across Kentucky. He was recognized in 2023 for his athletic contributions when he was inducted into the Monroe County Athletic Hall of Fame.

Jim was a devout Christian and most recently attended Liberty Church in Tompkinsville.

He is survived by his daughter, Julie Hibbett and husband Rob, of Florence, AL; his son, Jonathan Proffitt, of Nashville, TN; and his grandchildren, Griffin, Barrett, Hayden, Annie, Manny, Victoria, Kirstin, Nichole and Ryan; and two great grandchildren, Terry and Sadie. He is also survived by his brother, Richard Gid Proffitt and wife Janie, of Henderson, KY, and two nephews, Richie Proffitt (Colleen) and Jordie Proffitt (Gretchen). 

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his son, James Lewis Proffitt II.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at Yokley Trible Funeral Home in Tompkinsville, KY, with burial to follow at Neal Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until the service at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s memory may be made to Liberty Church.

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